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Marshal Suchet and the Siege of Valencia
By Dominique Contant,
Robert Ouvrard, and Jonathan
Cooper
Letter from General Blake to General O'Donell, Commandant at Valencia
From the lines before Valencia, 27th December 1811
After mature consideration of the critical state of Valencia and with
reasoned advice from the generals and commanders of the various arms
of the army, convinced that this city, as much for the nature of its
fortifications as for the poverty of its provisions, cannot stand but
a few more days, and that a prolongation of resistance would serve only
to expose it to all the evils that an obstinate attack and defense can
entail, as well as all the horrors of an assault, considering at the
same time how important it is to the public to conserve, in order to
continue the war, the army which forms the garrison of the exterior
lines; I have resolved to make a attempt to save it. The garrison that
is currently within the city will remain there so that, under the cover
of this force, the governor can capitulate; and if it is necessary that
Valence succumb and receive the enemy yoke, then at least this city,
model of patriotism and devotion, will be sheltered from the calamities
inseparable from an assault by main force.
I communicate my resolution to you Sir, so that you will be ready to
act in consequence, and at the same time, I assure you that my regret
at not having been able to preserve for Valence a destiny worthy of
it will not fade from my heart.
My God keep you, etc.
Signed: Joaquin Blake
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